I got a dip stick tube for my '69 350 (with air) from Ames, but I'm thinking it might not be the right one. The one they sent me is GM part number 9795830 which the parts manual says is for "69-70/All Ram Air IV or Super Duty" Its approx. 9 inches long. Anyone know if this would be the right one for a standard (2-bbl) 350 engine with air?

Thanks.

Which AMES part no did you get...? they list two different ones in their catalog...seems to me that 69 350 w/ air should be their "68-79, all Pontiac V8 w/ A/C" ...
Ames part no FN 419C (GM)....

Hi Bjorn,
FN419C is the dipstick itself.
The one I ordered was FN 419F, but it came in original GM packaging and didn't havean Ames stock number on it. I talked to Ames who said it is supposed to be the same as the one I should have for AC.
Guess I'll find out if it clears the AC compressor once I get it all back together.

Oh sh*t.... Guess I hadnt have enogh coffee yet this am....hmmm... didnt notice the "tube",I should have!

so , 'lower dip stick 67-69 TUBE to block w/ A/C (GM), should be Ames part no FN419F...and should have GM marked on it...
didnt you get a 'shipping' label with Ames part no?

But I think you should be ok...

it should have a bend on it I think outside the block = isnt there a 'fastener' as it comes out? (I forget now what it looks like down there, only see it as I check my oil...), to go by the compressor...otherwise its just a straight piece outside the block

I almost positive that all those tubes are still
stked at your local GM warehouse.

I haven't GONE to the dealer yet. My local guy is less than cooperative when looking for old parts. I have checked a couple of the GM online parts sources and only 2 of the tubes still come up. The lower (in oil pan) tube and the one listed earlier. The rest show as "part number not found."

The tube I got has a small bend (maybe 5 degrees) Which direction is it supposed to point when installed? It's just a press in with no mounting brackets.

Bjorn,
The invoice shows the number that I ordered but the part didn't have any Ames numbers on it. Came in GM packaging. It could have been picked from the wrong bin and I wouldn't know.

I've never had this engine together, so I don't know what it is supposed to look like.

Lee , I spoke to my friend Carl, who has a 69 350 with air...he may be able to help you...look for post from Bubinga2, or maybe a pm...

Hi Lee,
I added factory ac to my 69 Firebird from a 69 2bbl 350 2spd. donor car. I can't say much about GM part numbers but the original upper dip tube is 12" long following the curve of the tube. It mounts to one of the valve cover bolts and faces the front (not the side) of the engine. Don't forget that the dip stick itself has to be longer too. Did your tube come with the matching stick? I can measure the stick too if you like. You can see the handle in this photo....http://www.mprime.com/ProjectFirebird/IMAGES/FB-ENGINE-08.jpg
I can send another photo if you like. Right now the compressor is off the car so it will show the tube more clearly.
......Carl
http://www.mprime.com/firebird.htm

Carl,
If you cn send a pic with the compressor off that would be great. It sounds like the one I got is not the right one if it's only 9 inches. How long is your dipstick? I didn't order one from Ames. I got a chrome dipstick and tube, made by TransDapt some time ago but it won't fit at all (also 9 inches long.) Is your 12 inches from the point where it exits the block?
Thanks.

Ok I just pulled my parts book out.I lied.Only
some off tubes are still stked at GM.The correct
one you need is 9789290.But GM discontinued it
in 1982.I ran a locate but no dealer showed up
as stocking it.Good Luck

Lee ,
theres one on EBay right now...
heres what it says:
"UP FOR SALE IS A BRAND NEW, NEVER USED ,UNOPENED ,PONTIAC V8 DIPSTICK TUBE.THESE ARE GETTING HARD TO FIND THESE DAYS.....PART #9795830 IT WILL FIT PONTIAC V8 ENGINES 59 THRU 79.........
I`m thinking its the 'std' set...shows the GM part no...maybe you can "ask seller " if its for air or non air and compare the number you have or have him measure the length.....
the item no is 4616896624
or http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/67-6...6624QQcategoryZ34202QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Borjn,
That's the same one I got from Ames that looks too short. Guess I need to try and find the 9789290 that Gernes mentions. Maybe I can lengthen the shorter one(?)

put it in a "dip stick stretcher"!
yes, since you`ve now concluded thats the same at EBay ,look for that other number...Classic, NPD, Chicago Muscle car,PY, Year One......try those

in case you need their websites , email me at
bsefeldt@mhinc.com and I can reply with those...

Lee, I have those photos. Look at the following:
http://www.mprime.com/projectfirebird/pics/tube1.jpg
http://www.mprime.com/projectfirebird/pics/tube2.jpg
http://www.mprime.com/projectfirebird/pics/tube3.jpg
http://www.mprime.com/projectfirebird/pics/dipstick1.jpg

I hope it helps you find the right dipstick.

Gernes,
Thanks for looking those up.

Bubinga2,
The photos were very helpful. What year is your engine?

Hey Bjorn,
I think I have one of those in the back of the shop next to the board stretcher!!

The engine is a 74 350, the head are late 68. The ac and dip stick came out of a 69 FB with original 350 2bbl.

Thanks Carl,
From your photos and the other help from everyone I think I can make something work from the parts I ordered (and the spare 76 400 I have in the garage.)

9795830 is the lower "thru the block" tube used on all engines with or w/out ac.
9782488 is the upper tube(disc)used on ac cars up thru 69.
70 & up ac cars use tube #480843(still avail).
It mounts to the back of the ac comp brkt.

9793342 indicator - non ac
9793341 indicator - with ac

Hope this helps.